University of Arizona head coach Larry Smith during the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas on Dec. 28, 1985. Bruce McClelland / Arizona Daily Star

Somewhere in football heaven, former Arizona head coachΒ Larry SmithΒ looked on with a grandpa’s pride Friday night asΒ Preston SmithΒ helped Gilbert Mesquite beat Marana Mountain View in the first round of the state playoffs. Smith’s grandson, a safety who has scholarship offers from Weber State and Indiana State, is also Mesquite’s backup QB and a running back who has gained 565 yards in addition to making 62Β tackles. Smith and his teammates will be back in Tucson on Friday to play 11-0 Cienega.Β 


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.